Point of sale transaction system

• US 20070246533A1
• Filed: 02/05/2007
• Published: 10/25/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/09/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pharos Systems International, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Pharos Systems International, Inc.
• Inventors: Pickhardt, Kevin, Schempp, Frederick, Bartolotti, Nicholas, Wichen, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 7,540,418 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/383
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/00 Payment architectures, schemes or protocols apparatus for performing or posting payment transactions G07F7/08, G07F19/00; electronic cash registers G07G1/12
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/12 specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/20 Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/40 Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists

Abstract

A point of sale document transaction system (“POSDTS”) provides a wholly contained system for authenticating users and payment methods for the authorization and charging of document output via industry standard methods of Electronic Funds Transfer. The POSDTS provides self service payment and collection at an output device without need for additional back end or server systems and integrates directly into industry standard financial interfaces. POSDTS operation can be extended to include any series of production devices that can be controlled via electronic means, network protocols, or embedded software.

Claims

1. A point of sale transaction system comprising:

a) a controlled device for rendering a transaction service to a user in exchange for payment thereof by a user;

b) an authentication device in communication with said controlled device for providing authenticating input data from said user of said controlled device;

c) transaction terminal means for entering user information and request for services to said controlled device; and

d) computer means in communication with said controlled device, said authentication device, and said transaction terminal means, wherein said computer means is programmed to a plurality of algorithms for

configuring which services are to be provided by said controlled device to any prospective user,

authenticating said user,

authorizing user permission of said controlled device to carry out said point of sale transaction,

fulfilling said user request for services by turning on use of said controlled device, enabling any user requested services based upon a predetermined permission level, and tracking use of said controlled device, and

processing said transaction by charging or debiting said user for use of said controlled device after said controlled device has manufactured or otherwise delivered said requested service.

2. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said transaction terminal means is selected from the group consisting of hardware, software, and combinations thereof.

3. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said computer means is integral with said transaction terminal means.

4. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said transaction terminal means and said computer means are integral with said controlled device.

5. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said controlled device is a printer and wherein print jobs are accepted across said network or directly through said controlled device or transaction terminal means.

6. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said controlled device is a multi-function device for providing printing, scanning, copying and/or faxing services.

7. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said controlled device lacks capability for performing financial transactions and is controlled by said transaction terminal means and said computer means.

8. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said transaction terminal means is capable of handling cash payment as well as credit, debit, and account charges for said user.

9. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said algorithm for processing transactions includes payment wherein the payment transaction is authorized by cell phone and the financial transaction is processed through the cell service provider.

10. A system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a plurality of controlled devices in communication with said authentication device, said transaction terminal means, and said computer means.

11. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said computer means is further programmed with an algorithm for electronically transferring funds to or from said user'"'"'s account at a bank.